Stakeholders recommend digital Technology to boost Nigeria’s Tourism Industry

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo State Southern Nigeria, Iryn Omorogiuwa, has urged the Nigerian government to boost the tourism industry through the use of ‘Digital Technology’.

In an interview with Voice of Nigeria, Omorogiuwa noted that “Nigeria is blessed with lots of tourism potentials and these tourist sites are generating income to the nation’s economy”.

She disclosed that Edo State has employed the use of Digital Technology in promoting the tourism industry thereby using the social media to showcase the rich culture of Nigerian people.

Iryn Omorogiuwa also explained that the Edo State, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, in partnership with various communities in the State have created a platform where all artifacts in the state are displayed.

“We have created platforms that all our artifacts and art works are there for the world to see. The aim is for tourists to log in there to see the various tourist sites in Edo State.” 

She called on the federal government to adopt and support the new drive which she said will boost the tourism sector.

In the same vein, King Amanate Journey Turner of Olobiri Kingdom in Bayelsa called on the federal government to provide adequate security in all the tourist sites across the 36 states of Nigeria, in order to bring more tourists to the country.

“The federal government should develop the various tourist sites in the country and also develop the transportation sector. If the transportation sector is in order, it will be easier for tourists to access various tourist sites in the country,” he added.

On his part, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, a former Commissioner in Bayelsa State lamented that lots of tourist sites in Nigeria are under developed and need to be explored.

“One of such tourist centres is the Oil Museum at Olobiri… The Religious tourism in Nigeria has not been developed. Lots of people travel to Israel for Religious tourism, but in Nigeria, we have similar tourist centres such as the Redeem Camp located in Ogun State, TB Joshua camp situated in Lagos State and the church at Warri, Delta State, popularly known as Owomowomo.”

 According to Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, former Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), he said “for tourists to enjoy their trip to Nigeria, the traditional rulers should be involved because they know the in and out of their localities for the security of tourists.”

He also advised the federal government to improveTourism centres in the rural areas.

“Tourism usually improve the local economy because people will take taxis, drink water, soft drinks, buy local delicacies, and also buy local fabrics,” he explained.

Professor Emmy Idegu, a lecturer at the University of Calabar urged the government to encourage continuity of projects and appoint professionals to take up projects in order to boost the tourism industry.